sediment records

Sediment records are preserved layers of particles like sand, silt, and organic material built up over time in environments such as lakes, oceans, or riverbeds. These layers contain information about past climate, ecosystems, and geological events. By examining the types and amounts of sediments, scientists can reconstruct history—such as periods of warming, cooling, volcanic eruptions, or human activity—giving insight into Earth's changing environment over thousands to millions of years. These records are valuable tools for understanding natural processes and informing predictions about future changes.